Want to Solve Hard Problems? Fund Niche Research.

Today I’m reviewing an open-access Comment published in Nature Communications called, “Pluto: dazzling, dynamic, and not so dead” by Perianne E. Johnson & Benjamin Proudfoot.I talked about this comment in a Substack article a few weeks ago so definitely go check that out if you haven’t yet! This video also works as audio-only for the podcast listeners out there.Like this show? Send it to a friend! Hate this show? Send it to an enemy!Link to paper (Nature Communications, open access): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-72084-6Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pluto-01_Stern_03_Pluto_Color_TXT.jpgMusic: 368 by Dyalla

This week, a 7.4 Magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan! This caused shaking, a tiny tsunami, and an advisory about a possible mega-quake.Listen to learn more about what this means for Japan, natural disaster preparation, and earthquake advisories everywhere!Like this episode? Pick one of the following!Subscribe wherever you're listening!Send this episode to a friend or family member!Follow on Substack: https://substack.com/@rocksforjocksSources:Original article posted on SubstackMusic: 368 by DyallaCover art and earthquake information: USGSAP News article describing impacts and advisories

Why fund research into so many narrow questions far removed from everyday problems?Solving niche science problems expands bounds of human knowledge and makes new breakthroughs possible!In this episode, I walk listeners through a recent article I wrote on this topic posted on Substack. Read along (and subscribe) here: https://rocksforjocks.substack.com/p/want-to-solve-hard-problems-fundMusic: 368 by Dyalla

In this episode I was lucky enough to discuss the book "Stories in Stone" with the author, David B. Williams!We talk about how geology weaves its way through human history and touch on some highlights from the book, including the Bunker Hill Monument's granite and how Michelangelo got his marble!My substack: https://rocksforjocks.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsDavid's website: http://geologywriter.comDavid's substack: https://streetsmartnaturalist.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsMusic: 368 by Dyalla

Andy's recent paper discussed: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adx9442Substack: https://substack.com/@rocksforjocksIn this episode, I host Andy Jones, a PhD candidate in Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin Madison. We focus on Andy's recently published research in California’s Sierra Nevada, where glaciers are disappearing for the first time in 30,000 years! We cover the formation, recession, and climatic impact of glaciers. Andy also talks about glacier studies in the Tropical Andes, emphasizing the need for climate action. Listen and follow  “Rocks for Jocks” on Substack!​00:00 Intro​04:18 Glaciers' Role in Climate Regulation​06:51 California's Disappearing Glaciers​08:39 Historical Context of Expansion and Retreat​20:00 Climate Change and Glacial Response​29:59 Future ResearchMusic: 368 by Dyalla

This month, I bring back Marshall Pontrelli, a fan-favorite former guest and graduate school coworker! We talk about Marshall's research on geotechnical engineering, site response, and earthquake hazard mapping. We also get into Marshall’s thoughts on the peer review process and the application of scientific thinking to broader contexts.Subscribe on Substack: ⁠⁠https://rocksforjocks.substack.com⁠⁠00:00 Welcome and Intro02:01 Marshall's Graduate School Research08:31 Mexico City Earthquake Study16:37 Geological Mapping and Hazard Analysis28:43 Depth to Bedrock, Shear Wave Velocity, and Cone Penetration Tests 41:48 Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build49:29 Reflections on Scientific ThinkingMusic: 368 by Dyalla

Today’s interview is with not one, but TWO researchers from the Tufts Geohazards Research group! I host Maggie Roberts and Ellie Meyer, PhD students learning about how Earthquake shaking waves affect structures at the surface.Maggie and Ellie discuss methodologies using HVSR measurements, the limitations of traditional VS 30 models, and human-reported seismic data.Subscribe on Substack: ⁠https://rocksforjocks.substack.com⁠00:00 Welcome Back04:44 Ground motion Geohazards Research07:43 Challenges and Progress in Earthquake Research23:45 HVSR pros and cons31:34 Human Data in Earthquake Studies36:43 Future Goals for HVSR Models40:22 Interdisciplinary Collaboration and BenefitsMusic: 368 by Dyalla

In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I reunite with a grad school colleague, Jeremy Salerno! We talk about Jeremy's research on earthquake waves and site response during our time In the Geohazards Research Lab at Tufts University. I worked in the lab for 2 years, where I also overlapped with prior Rocks for Jocks guests, Christina Sanon and Marshall Pontrelli!Jeremy and I talk about detecting seismic activity, monitoring nuclear weapons testing, and his roles working with different companies and defense projects.Rate this podcast 5 stars, and send it to a friend!00:00 Intro03:57 Field Work and Data Collection06:21 Nuclear Monitoring and Seismic Sensors12:30 Earthquake Waves, Resonance, and Site Response20:08 Using data for Earthquake Engineering23:01 Ambient Noise & Soil Vibration Analysis23:31 Unexpected Earthquakes and Thesis work29:08 AI in Coding and Professional Use33:31 Classes and their ImpactMusic: 368 by Dyalla

This week, I host Sydney DeMets, PhD candidate at the University of Washington, to talk about her research on podcast networks! We chat about the polarization within podcasting spaces, the influence of moderate shows on bridging political divides, and the gender disparity in podcast hosts and guests. My favorite part was Sydney highlighting how guests spread across different shows in a similar way to the diffusion of viruses! Sydney also gives some podcast recommendations and reflects on potential future research directions. If like this episode, please send it to a friend, and rate it 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!00:00 Intro04:11 The Influence of Podcasts on Public Opinion07:28 Methodology and Findings16:13 Challenges and Surprising Discoveries36:20 Concerns About Information Veracity41:26 Future of Podcast Moderation46:34 Podcast RecommendationsMusic: 368 by DyallaDisclaimer: all opinions are our own and not representative of any companies or organizations.

This week, I had the privilege to interview Professor Roger Fu from Harvard's Earth and Planetary Sciences department. We cover planet formation in our early solar system, harvesting samples from meteorites, tectonic plate motion, paleoclimate research, and science funding in Boston! Professor Fu has a really unique perspective from his time studying astronomy in Chile and also leading research projects in university settings. If you like the episode, please subscribe and rate the episode wherever you're listening, and send it to a friend!00:00 Intro01:57 Astronomy in Chile12:38 Planetary Formation15:21 Meteorites and Magnetic Fields20:34 Paleoclimate Research33:04 NASA’s Influence35:29 Engaging Students and the PublicMusic: 368 by Dyalla